South Sudan Embassy in Washington says Juba is ready for negotiations

Statement by the Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC on the Situation in the Republic of South Sudan

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC takes this opportunity to update the public about the development of the failed coup d’état that erupted on December 15, 2013 in Juba, South Sudan. President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. General Salva Kiir Mayardit is an exemplary leader who stood firm and vowed not to return the people of South Sudan to war unless to defending the national interest of the people of South Sudan. H.E. President Kiir constantly offered amnesty to insurgent and militia groups that have been working to destabilize the Government of the Republic of South Sudan and through his efforts some militia forces were integrated into the government.

Despite the death toll and damages caused as a result of the failed coup d’état led by Dr. Riek Machar Teny Durghon, former Vice President of the Republic of South Sudan, H.E. President Salva Kiir Mayardit is open and ready to negotiate with Dr. Riek and his team with no preconditions. Here are the measures the Government of South Sudan has taken:

• On December 16, 2013, a national curfew was declared from 6:00 pm to 6:00 am to ensure security and protection of civilians and humanitarian aid workers, which was immediately lifted when normalcy was restored.

• The Government ordered the SPLA, SSP, National Security and other forces including the civilians not to kill anyone; otherwise, any perpetrator shall be arrested.

• The Government released the names of the politicians that were arrested in connection to the failed coup d’état, this is a transparent action taken to ensure that the public is aware of the development.

• The Government dispatched the Sudan People’s Liberation Army (SPLA) forces to protect the victimized innocent civilians and to repel the negative forces of Dr. Riek out of Jonglei State, Unity State and other areas.

• H.E. President Kiir and his administration is holding various consultative meetings with South Sudanese State’s men and women, elders and religious leaders; and with friends and partners of South Sudan to address and halt the on-going national crisis.

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC reiterates that what is taking place in Juba is NOT a tribal conflict as H.E. the President of the Republic emphasized “These tribal tendencies are what we must stop once and for all. We believe in diversity, we are so many, if we turn to tribalism, we can’t move forward”. However, the forces loyal to Dr. Riek are exclusively tribal. Therefore, the people of South Sudan need to remain united and exercise restraint for the common good.

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC would like to sincerely register the government and people of South Sudan’s gratitude to the United Nations, African Union, Intergovernmental Authority for Development (IGAD), United States, friends and partners of South Sudan for their unwavering support given. The Government of the Republic of South Sudan stands ready to negotiate under the auspice of regional bodies to bring lasting peace and stability in South Sudan.

The Embassy of the Republic of South Sudan in Washington, DC urges South Sudanese to remain calm and support each other as we mourn our beloved brothers and sisters who passed away during the course of the on-going crisis. We pray that the people of South Sudan will find comfort as the world celebrates Christmas and New Year. The Embassy remains vigilant to feed the Diaspora with the latest developments in our beloved country.

May God bless you!
May God bless the people of South Sudan!
May God bless the Republic of South Sudan!